Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is like a warm hug on a plate! It brings together tender chicken, melty Swiss cheese, savory ham, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, all baked into one delicious dish. It has the classic flavors of the famous chicken cordon bleu but in an easy-to-make casserole form that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
I love making this casserole when I want something comforting but don’t want to fuss with frying or rolling chicken breasts. It’s a simple recipe that always gets a thumbs-up from everyone at the table. If you’re a fan of cheesy, meaty meals with a crunchy topping, I promise this will become one of your go-to dishes.
My favorite way to serve it is with a fresh green salad or some steamed veggies on the side. It’s a complete meal that feels like a special treat but comes together without much effort. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying some leftovers the next day—it tastes just as good warm from the oven or reheated for dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is great for a tender, mild flavor. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly if you want to save time. For a low-carb option, try shredded turkey instead.
Pasta: I like using penne or elbow macaroni for their perfect bite size. If you need gluten-free, swap for gluten-free pasta or cooked cauliflower florets.
Ham: Use diced cooked ham for that classic salty touch. Turkey ham or even cooked bacon pieces are good alternatives depending on taste.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss adds a nice nuttiness and melts beautifully. If unavailable, Gruyère or mozzarella work well, but avoid extra sharp cheeses that may overpower.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates the creamy base. You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk for a fresher taste.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the crispy crunchy topping I love. Plain breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work if panko isn’t on hand.
How Do I Get the Topping Extra Crispy and Golden?
Getting a crunchy, golden topping adds a great texture contrast to this creamy casserole. Here’s how:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling them on top for even browning and crispness.
- Spread the topping evenly so it browns uniformly during baking.
- Place the casserole uncovered in the oven—covering traps moisture and softens the topping.
- If the topping isn’t crispy enough at the end, briefly switch on the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
These small steps help you get a beautiful, crunchy finish that makes this dish extra satisfying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I suggest this size because it fits everything nicely and cooks evenly.
- Large mixing bowls – perfect for combining the ingredients without mess.
- Medium bowl – handy for mixing the breadcrumb topping.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Stirring spoons or spatula – to mix everything smoothly.
- Oven mitts – always for safety when handling hot dishes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use cooked turkey or chicken sausage for different flavors.
- Cheese options: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix for extra melty goodness.
- Veggie boost: Add cooked spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to give extra flavor and color.
- Spice it up: Mix in paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a touch of heat.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 ½ cups cooked pasta (such as penne or elbow macaroni)
- 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then 25-30 minutes to bake in the oven. After baking, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Overall, plan for about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, diced ham, and 1 ½ cups of shredded Swiss cheese.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a separate medium bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and well mixed.
4. Combine and Transfer
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Then, spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Add the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole, then add the remaining ½ cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top.
6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns a nice golden brown.
7. Rest and Serve
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving to add a little color and freshness.
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole—it’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken as long as it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
Can I Substitute the Ham with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Turkey ham, cooked bacon, or even diced cooked sausage make great alternatives. Just ensure whatever meat you use is pre-cooked before mixing into the casserole.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help keep the casserole creamy during reheating.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
